Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is not an anabolic steroid but an endogenous protein hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in the body’s growth, metabolic regulation, cell regeneration, and recovery.
Composed of 191 amino acids, HGH promotes the growth and healing of bones, muscles, internal organs, and connective tissues, while also supporting the efficiency of protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism.
Medically, it is used to treat growth disorders, HGH deficiency, AIDS/HIV-related muscle wasting, and burns.
While its effects on growth and metabolism are clear, some of its properties are not yet fully understood.
History of Growth Hormone
Somatropin is a synthetic Human Growth Hormone (HGH) produced using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology in E. coli bacteria, making it completely identical to endogenous HGH.
This technology was developed by Genentech in 1979; previously, HGH was extracted from the pituitary glands of human cadavers.
In 1985, the FDA banned cadaver-derived HGH after it was found to cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) due to prion contamination, resulting in the deaths of approximately 26 people.
Subsequently, rDNA technology enabled the production of pure HGH with no risk of contamination. Early synthetic products included Somatrem and Protropin, and by 1987, a 100% identical synthetic HGH molecule was introduced.
Effects of Growth Hormone on Various Tissues
Growth hormone promotes both muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia; the muscle cells gained through hyperplasia are permanent.
Additionally, growth hormone facilitates regeneration and healing in all cells except for those in the brain and eyes, making it beneficial for patients with organ failure.
Its metabolic effects include shifting the body’s primary energy source from carbohydrates to fat, which contributes to body fat reduction and improved cholesterol levels. However, it also carries the risk of elevated blood sugar and inducing diabetes.
Depletion of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, as well as a reduction in thyroid hormone levels, are also concerns that are proportional to the dosage.
Growth hormone stimulates the production of IGF-1, inducing a powerful anabolic effect. However, IGF-1 can also increase fat storage and glucose utilization, exhibiting effects contrary to those of growth hormone.
Controversy Over the Effects of Growth Hormone
The effectiveness of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in improving physique and athletic performance remains a subject of debate.
Studies show that while HGH use increases body weight and lean body mass, gains in muscle strength are limited. Its fat-reducing effects, however, are significant.
Using HGH alone is unlikely to produce dramatic muscle gains; it typically needs to be stacked with anabolic steroids or used long-term for at least six months.
While HGH has shown anabolic effects in HIV/AIDS patients, studies on healthy adults have yielded different results.
In the 1980s, HGH was often overestimated in comparison to anabolic steroids. However, current clinical research has debunked these early myths, confirming that HGH is a weaker physique-enhancing substance than steroids.
HGH is considered an advanced compound, useful for experienced athletes and bodybuilders seeking to break through their genetic limits, and is not suitable for beginners.
Therefore, HGH is best viewed as a viable option for highly advanced users aiming for fat loss or overcoming plateaus.
Growth Hormone Side Effects
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a lifestyle-enhancing supplement that is steadily gaining popularity in the bodybuilding and athletic communities.
This is due to its role in promoting the recovery, growth, and expansion of muscles and tissues during sleep, and because it offers the same benefits to both men and women.
As a protein hormone, not a steroid or an androgen, many assume HGH has few side effects. In reality, it comes with its own specific side effects and interactions.
HGH promotes the growth and division of cells and tissues and can produce synergistic effects when combined with other substances.
However, caution is needed as it can exacerbate side effects like gynecomastia when taken with androgenic substances, for example.
It’s crucial to determine if the substances being used have the potential to cause certain symptoms and whether HGH might accelerate or mitigate them.
The common symptoms experienced with HGH use largely depend on the method of administration and the combination of substances, with responses varying from user to user.
For safe and effective use, it is essential to thoroughly understand its side effects and interactions and to analyze the impact of each substance involved.
HGH Joint Pain
One of the most common issues is joint pain. New HGH users, in particular, may wonder why a substance that promotes healthy joints would cause pain.
This occurs because as new joint tissue grows, the existing joint must expand and shift to accommodate it.
HGH accelerates this process, which can result in discomfort.
However, this pain is temporary, not permanent, and it naturally subsides as the new tissue grows and calcifies.
Ultimately, it can be seen as a form of growing pain associated with using a new substance and experiencing initial growth, which ceases to be an issue over time.
Water Retention and Swelling
In addition to the pain associated with HGH, water retention and edema in the joint areas are also common.
This is due to increased fluid retention during HGH use, a common symptom associated with IGF-1 or HGH-related protein hormones.
This type of pain primarily occurs at extremely high doses. It’s less about overdosing and more a symptom of administering an effective dose all at once instead of gradually titrating up.
Therefore, it is crucial to assess individual tolerance before starting HGH.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is typically caused by water retention, where excess fluid puts pressure on the joints, leading to numbness and pain in the area.
While different from classic carpal tunnel syndrome caused by overuse or excessive stimulation of the wrist’s muscles and tendons, the pressure from excess fluid can replicate similar pain and weakness.
Using HGH with Aromatizing Steroids
Gynecomastia is not a guaranteed side effect of HGH use, but it can occur in rare cases.
This can happen in two scenarios: either the rate of gynecomastia development is accelerated by using HGH alongside aromatizing steroids, or an individual becomes more sensitive due to HGH itself.
In such situations, using an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) to lower estrogen levels can reduce the likelihood of gynecomastia. However, if the breast tissue has already hardened, surgery may be necessary.
Before symptoms appear, preventative measures can be taken by using a SERM like Nolvadex.
Another interesting side effect of HGH is the growth of hands, feet, and other bony areas.
This happens because HGH promotes growth throughout the body, as evidenced by the difference in frame size seen in photos from youth compared to adulthood.
Even in adulthood, HGH use can induce physical changes. The rate of this change varies from person to person and occurs gradually; it is not an immediate, noticeable transformation.
Insulin Sensitivity and Hypoglycemia
One of the most significant changes to be aware of when taking HGH is an increase in blood sugar levels and a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
This means the body becomes less responsive to insulin, so even when blood sugar rises, the signaling hormone insulin—which directs glucose to muscles and other areas—may not be produced effectively.
While this might not be a major issue in the short term, it can lead to serious consequences long-term, so caution is necessary.
Individuals with a history of diabetes or pre-existing insulin sensitivity issues should be particularly cautious when using HGH.
Organ and Tissue Growth
One of the well-known effects of HGH is an increase in the size of the body’s organs.
While this might seem like an interesting side effect, long-term use of excessive HGH can lead to abnormal growth of organs and tissues, which can be harmful to the body.
Most people experience these side effects without knowing the proper dosage. To avoid this, it’s crucial to understand and use the correct dosage and administration methods.
When used correctly, it can offer significant benefits for recovery and growth.
Growth Hormone Administration and Use
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) can be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the muscle), with subcutaneous injections having a bioavailability of over 75%.
The half-life of HGH is approximately 4 hours when injected subcutaneously and 5 hours when injected intramuscularly.
HGH is primarily used for therapeutic purposes, with standard therapeutic doses being 1-3 IU per day.
Athletes typically use a range of 2-4 IU to maximize recovery benefits, aiding in physique enhancement, fat loss, and muscle building.
Women generally stick to a dosage of 1-2 IU.
For performance enhancement, a dose of 6-8 IU for men and 3-4 IU for women is considered ideal.
The effects of HGH are minimal with short-term use. A cycle of 8-12 weeks is needed for fat loss and recovery, while a cycle of 6 months or more is required for extreme anabolic effects.
The full benefits of HGH are realized through long-term use.
Conclusion
HGH is a powerful hormone that promotes recovery and growth, making it popular among bodybuilders.
However, excessive use carries risks such as an increase in organ and tissue size, reduced insulin sensitivity, and elevated blood sugar.
Symptoms of nerve compression, such as hypoglycemia, edema, and carpal tunnel syndrome, can also occur with HGH use.
Additionally, when used with steroids, there is a risk of developing gynecomastia, but this can be prevented by using Aromatase Inhibitors or SERMs.
Bodybuilders use HGH long-term to maximize muscle growth, but they adhere to proper dosages and undergo thorough health check-ups to avoid side effects.
While HGH is effective, its long-term use requires careful management with consideration for potential side effects.
